'Bladerunner' Oscar Pistorius on bail in Steenkamp shooting

Pretoria
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In the bail hearing of the case of the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court in South Africa.

Digital Journal has been reporting on the alleged murder by London Olympic and Paralympic star, Oscar Pistorius of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp in his Pretoria suburbs home on Thursday last week.

Based on the initial findings of the crime scene investigation, the court has heard arguments from both the State and the defence.

The State argued that Pistorius had intended to kill, even if he thought he was killing a burglar, and so should be denied bail.

The prosecution said that Pistorius has the "money, means and motive" to flee if given bail, and even compared him to the WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, saying that he is equally well known, but managed to skip bail by seeking refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

However, Magistrate Desmond Nair asked the State what kind of life Pistorius could expect to lead on the run, to which the prosecutor, Gerrie Nel, responded, "A life of freedom, a life not in prison."

However, advocate for the defence, Barry Roux pointed out that "Pistorius could not even pass through airport security without his prosthetic legs – and thus his identity – being detected and thus was not a flight risk.

"What kind of life would he lead, a person who has to use prostheses, if he has to flee" and is "ducking and diving every day" on artificial legs. "His international career would be over in any event," said Roux.

"Those legs need maintenance and adjustment on a monthly basis," he added.

The defence further submitted that Pistorius did not intend to kill his girlfriend and should be granted bail.

After a near two-hour summing up of the case, Nair said, "I come to the conclusion that the accused has made a case to be released on bail." He praised Pistorius for having offered a detailed affidavit which "reached out to meet the state's case".

Bail was set by the court at R1 million (£73,000) and the case was postponed until 4 June.

The Guardian has full details of the bail hearing in the Magistrate's court.

Pistorius' lawyer, Kenny Oldwage told the media that Pistorius "will be in a residence we've provided in Pretoria".

Pistorius has been ordered to hand in any firearms and passports and must avoid his home, neighbours and all witnesses involved in the case. He is to report to a police station twice a week. Further, he must drink no alcohol and is not permitted to enter any international airport departure hall.

According to his coach, Ampie Louw, he is considering putting Pistorius back into training "to get his mind clear".